He’s right. None of us would’ve left those children behind and we couldn’t really turn them over to the government in Cuba because we weren’t supposed to be there.
“You’re right, Rask. We also should’ve paid attention to our ammo, we always had supplies so O’Keefe or someone was cooking the books and not keeping an inventory. Someone had to track O’Keefe every time he took out a helo or a C-130. Everything is logged—how come no one was watching for all these trips to Cuba?”
We all shake our heads because no one knows the answer.
“O’Keefe ended up dead after we came back,” I remind Evan, who takes a note.
“What else?” Nate asks.
“Let’s see … the police report McCoy’s PI saw says that Penny was threatened by Lawson that if she told anyone her worst nightmare would come true. I’m guessing McCoy dying is her worst nightmare?”
“It’s not,” I say, shaking my head. “Losing Claire or not being able to protect her would be. That’s why I think she ran. She knew death was a part of my job, but if she lost me and Claire, she’d have nothing to live for.”
“So we think Penny is on the run?” Nate asks.
“I think so, or she’s living somewhere under a different name. I don’t know, but it makes sense.” At least it makes sense to me because I’m not willing to believe she left me.
“What else?” Nate asks again.
“The file Cara took back to DC went missing almost immediately, but she has multiple copies so they can still prosecute. Ingram is out on bail but under house arrest. And then there’s Chesley. I can’t figure him out yet. I don’t know what he’s doing over there, but we need to find out. At best he should be thanking us, but he’s not and I have a feeling he’s waiting for something big to happen. He’s part of this cover-up somehow, and not just the Brigadier General and grandfather. He has to know what was going on there and he’s protecting someone.”
“But who? Every time I enter a room on base, it goes quiet. I haven’t deployed with my team since you guys have been back. Honestly, I’m biding my time until reenlistment. I ask questions no one will answer, and Carole has to tread lightly so she doesn’t lose her job and pension.”
“Nate’s right, our hands are tied there,” I add.
Evan nods, but doesn’t say anything.
“We need someone on the inside,” Rask says.
“But who?” I question. “We can’t trust anyone.”
“Does anyone know you’re dating that Feds chick?” Rask asks Nate, who blanches at the way Rask refers to Cara.
“Her name is Cara and no. We’ve kept it pretty low-key. It’s another reason we don’t travel together.”
“Maybe she can help,” Rask suggests.
“How?”
“By getting me in to see Lawson. He knows where my family is and I want answers.” I lean forward on the table so Nate can see I’m serious. “Maybe if we scare him enough he’ll start singing. Remind him that he’s about to become Bubba’s bitch.”
“Unfortunately, I think our answers are back in Coronado, and I have a feeling the person who is going to be able to help the most is Slick Rick.”
“The bartender? Are you nuts, Evan?” Nate barks out, asking the question before I can.
Evan shakes his head. “Tell me who else has access to everyone that comes in and out of his bar, and the ability to talk your ear off until you’re divulging all your secrets over a pint of beer. Alcohol and truth telling go hand-in-hand, especially when you have secrets.”
“Remind me to never drink around you.” I punch Evan in the shoulder as we all start laughing.
“As much as I hate to admit it, I think you have a point.” Nate rolls his eyes at the compliment he just paid his brother. For all the unease Evan was showing upstairs toward Nate, its definitely not being shared now. It must have to do with Ryley and EJ when Nate’s around, because right now you wouldn’t know that there’s anything wrong between these two.
AFTER WE FINISH REHASHING how we ended up dead and returned home alive, Evan shows us the gadgets he has installed in and around his house. Nate, who thinks this room is overkill, is happily playing with everything. Even I’m impressed and I’ve been staying here.
“What about guns? What do you have on-site?” Nate asks, as he moves one of the cameras around.
“What do you want?” Evan shrugs and glances at something on his phone. I already know a few of the guns he has, but have a feeling there’s a whole arsenal of weapons stashed somewhere around here.
Nate looks at Evan and shakes his head, but not before he cracks a huge ass smile. I’m guessing he has a pretty decent idea of what Evan is hoarding and appreciates it.
“Cara’s here and Ryley says she’s ready for dinner,” Evan says, pocketing his phone. He opens the door and waits for us to leave before turning off the light and locking back up.